Ink-Substrate Interactions...

Beyond their obvious aesthetic appeal, however, UV inks and coatings have some very practical uses, which account for their popularity in packaging applications. In UV printing, specially formulated inks are exposed to ultraviolet radiation, which causes them to harden instantly on top of the substrate. The result produces high levels of gloss or dull coating, vivid color, and vibrant detail with superior rub resistance and no post-cure dryback—even on soft, uncoated materials.